Never Again Yours (Isadora and Magnus) novel Chapter 257

Victor cut her off coldly, his expression unreadable. “Ms. Blaine, Isadora considers you a close friend.”

Rowena froze.

Everyone knew Victor had zero patience for other women—unless their name was Isadora.

So, without a flicker of warmth in his voice, he continued, “She told me you once helped her, so she invested in your design firm. I never thought much of it, but I supported her decision. Clearly, that investment was a mistake.”

Rowena’s face fell.

He could see right through her, all the way to the thoughts she tried so hard to hide.

It was true.

Jealousy and vanity had led her to nurse a hopeless crush on this man.

Trying to defend herself, Rowena stammered, “I know you and Isadora go back longer than I do… I’m sorry, I don’t have any other motives—”

Victor let out a mirthless laugh. “Then you should be grateful. It’s only because of her that you’re even standing here. Remember your place. I won’t let Isadora get hurt because of you.”

Back in the private lounge, the chill in Victor’s eyes was gone. The stern mask he wore outside had vanished, replaced by an easygoing air as he lounged on the couch. Watching the laughter on Isadora’s face, he drew her hand into his, running his thumb along her skin. “What’s so funny over here?”

Isadora was still giggling from a joke Nanette had just told. Her lips curled in a perfect smile, and her eyes sparkled as she glanced at him.

“Just talking about you,” she teased.

Victor’s voice was laced with amusement. “Oh? What could you possibly have to say about me? Maybe I haven’t been wicked enough today?”

Nanette, thinking of her recent nomination for an indie film award, grinned and played along. “With you, Prince Charming, how could anyone complain? Isadora was saying she was really touched today.”

“Nanette!” Isadora protested, laughing. “Don’t listen to her, Victor. She just loves to make up stories.”

Victor arched an eyebrow playfully. “Is that right?”

Isadora tried to keep a straight face. “Of course not.”

He chuckled. “Well, true or not, I’ll have to do something about it, won’t I?”

Isadora shot him a look. “I don’t buy it.”

She played along. “Oh, forgive me, Mr. Fitzgerald. Not all of us are geniuses like you.”

Victor’s eyes glinted teasingly. “Naturally. Call me ‘big brother’ and I’ll give you some pointers.”

Isadora opened her mouth to protest.

Nanette chimed in, grinning, “I agree, Isadora—you should definitely call him ‘big brother.’”

*

Back at Summit Crest Estates.

Isadora was still mulling it over. “Why did Nanette want me to call you ‘big brother’? Are you two in on something?”

Victor, loosening his tie, shot her a lazy look from across the room. “Say it, and I’ll tell you.”

Isadora, curled up on the couch, flipped through TV channels. “No way.”

He tossed his jacket and tie onto the chair and sprawled beside her, arm draped casually over the back of the couch. His muscles flexed under the soft light of the TV, shadows playing over his face, his eyes deep and unreadable under long lashes.